Custom Half Slotted Containers with Optional Lids

What is a half slotted container?

Think of a regular four-flap carton with the top flaps cut away. That is a half slotted container. The base folds and tapes in the usual way, and the top stays open.

Without top flaps, the box is easy to load from above and easy to reach into. It works as a tray on its own, or as the base of a two-part pack with a separate lid.

Because the walls stand free at the top, the box works well as a sorting tray. Staff can see the contents at a glance and keep stock moving.

The industry code is FEFCO 0200. It sits alongside the RSC in our corrugated and shipping box range, and many buyers use both.

Do half slotted containers come with a lid?

They can. A slip-on lid is made as a shallow tray, a few millimetres larger than the base, so it drops over the top. We cut it from the same board so the pair match.

Lid depth is your choice. A shallow lid of 50 to 80 mm keeps dust out and is easy to lift. A full depth lid covers the whole base and doubles the wall thickness on every side.

For more lidded options in other styles, look at our cardboard boxes with fitted lids.

Can I add hand holes and dividers?

Yes. Hand holes are punched into the two short ends and make heavy cases far easier to lift. They are a sensible add-on for anything carried by hand.

Dividers turn an HSC into a cell case. A corrugated grid slots in from the top, giving each glass, bottle or jar its own pocket. The open top means the grid goes in and comes out without a fight.

Holes do weaken the end panels slightly, so we keep them a sensible distance below the top edge. For very heavy cases, pairing hand holes with double wall board keeps the ends from tearing.

Dividers can run the full height of the box or stop short. A shorter grid leaves space at the top for a packing sheet over the goods.

Which board suits an open-top carton?

With no top flaps, the upper edge of the box carries no extra layer. For light goods, C flute single wall at about 4 mm holds its shape well.

For heavy loads, stacking under a lid, or repeated use, BC double wall at about 7 mm keeps the walls straight. Thinner B flute at about 3 mm suits small trays and parts bins.

A lid adds stiffness to the top edge, so a lidded case can often use lighter board than an open tray of the same size. Our single wall versus double wall guide explains the trade-off.

Can a half slotted container be printed?

Yes. Handling marks such as this way up arrows, content labels and logos are common. We print one colour, two colour or full colour CMYK on kraft or white board.

If the lid will carry the branding, we can print it and leave the base plain, which keeps cost down. Matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil and embossing are also available.

Our designers lay out the panels for free, and you approve a digital proof before we go to press.

What mistakes should I avoid with HSCs?

Do not order an HSC for goods that will travel on their own without a lid or outer carton. An open top lets things fall out and lets dust in.

Avoid making the base much taller than the goods if you plan to stack. The empty band at the top has no support, so a lid resting on it can buckle.

Check dividers against the real items, not a drawing. A glass with a wide rim may need a larger cell than its base suggests.

Finally, plan how the boxes will be stored when empty. Bases and lids both pack flat, but a lid made a touch too loose will slide off when cases are carried. Tell us if a snug fit matters.

How does an HSC compare with an RSC?

Both share the same base. The difference is the top: an RSC has four flaps that close with tape, while an HSC is open or takes a separate lid.

Pick an RSC for one-way shipping, where the box is sealed and opened once. Pick an HSC when the box is opened often, used for storage, or needs a lid that lifts off. Our page on regular slotted containers made to size covers the closed version.